Doll-Dutch

This doll was made at home from materials bought in a shop. The face has been embroidered and the plaits made from wool and stitched on. Patterns for these dolls could be bought in shops so they could be made at home.

Why would anyone make their own dolls?

What materials would you use to make a toy like this today?

Plastic knucklebonesImage: Michelle McFarlaneSource: Museum Victoria

Knucklebones

Knucklebones are sometimes called Jacks. It is one of the oldest games ever played by children. These are made of plastic.

What would they have been made of when children played with them a long time ago?

Do you still play with Jacks? If you do, you are playing an ancient game!

Doll with vinyl face and cloth body

This doll was bought in 1963 for a little girl in hospital. The little girl was from Italy. Her family took it back to Italy with them with plant seeds hidden in her bunny suit. The doll has a vinyl face and synthetic hair. Her eyes open and close.

How is this doll different from the felt doll?

Compare it with dolls you play with.

Plastic 'Coca-Cola' yo-yo, circa 1980s. Source: Museum Victoria. Trade marks of The Coca-Cola Company are used with permission. The Coca-Cola Company is not the producer of this guide, nor does it endorse the contents.

Yo-yo

The yo-yo has been described as the second oldest toy in history. Children played with them in ancient Greece. In the Philippines it was used as a weapon. Children in Australia have been playing with yo-yos since the 1920s. It was the first toy in outer space.